Material Safety Data Sheets For Dental Amalgam

By Robert Gammal, BDS.

Material Safety Data Sheets are information sheets about a particular product (or part thereof), compiled by the manufacturer, about the safety or otherwise of the particular product, aside from information of a more general kind. MSDS’s are publicly available. You can easily find them on an internet search.

It beggars belief that any dental association or university would have the audacity to claim that amalgam is safe and effective, while the manufacturers have told us so long ago that it is dangerous. In fact the patent on one such amalgam is still owned by none other than the American Dental Association. Is there a connection of vested interest???ADA has owned 2 patents on amalgams since1977-78

1.United States Patent 4,018,600 Apr. 19, 1977.

2.United States Patent 4,078,921 Mar. 14,1978.

Dispersalloy

Dispersalloy has an MSDS for each of its two components.Dispersalloy Dispersed Phase Alloy and Mercury – Dated Revised 9/24/97 This MSDS was posted at this address – http://www.caulk.com/MSDSDFU/DispersDFU.html- within about 6 months this site was removed. The information contained in the MSDS is compelling. Contraindication means that their material ‘should not be used in the following circumstances”.

Side Effects/Warning Prior to use, read the MSDS information and product instructions for this item. Exposure to mercury may cause irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract and mucous membrane. In individual cases, hypersensitivity reactions, allergies, or electrochemically caused local reactions have been observed. Due to electrochemical processes, the lichen planus of the mucosa may develop. Mercury may also be a skin sensitizer, pulmonary sensitizer, nephrotoxin and neurotoxin. The use of amalgam is contraindicated; 1. In proximal or occlusal contact to dissimilar metalrestorations. 2. In patients with severe renal deficiency. 3. In patients with known allergies to amalgam. 4. For retrograde or endodontic filling. 5.As a filling material for cast crown. 6. In children 6 and under. 7. In expectant mothers.

Mercury expressed during condensation and unset amalgam may cause amalgamation or galvanic effect if in contact with other metal restorations. If symptoms persist, the amalgam should be replaced by a different material. Removal of clinically acceptable amalgam restorations should be avoided to minimize mercury exposure, especially in expectant mothers.Precautions The number of amalgam restorations for one patient should be kept to a minimum. Inhalation of mercury vapor by dental staff may be avoided by proper handling of the amalgam, the use of masks, along with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with skin and wear safety glasses and gloves.Store amalgam scrap in well sealed containers. Regulations for disposal must be observed.

Health affects and first aid Inhalation: Acute: Inhalation of a high concentration of mercury vapor can cause almost immediate dyspnea, cough,fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, salivation, metallic taste,gingivitis, and cardiac abnormalities. Respiratory irritation may occur with chest pain and tightness. Symptoms may re solve or may progress to necrotizing bronchiolitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, interstitial fibrosis, and death. Acidosis and renal damage may also occur. Allergic reactions that may occur in previously exposed persons include dermatitis,encephalitis, and death. Metal fume fever, an influenza-like illness, may occur due to the inhalation of freshly formed metal oxide particles sized below 1.5microns and usually between 0.02-0.05 microns. Symptoms may be delayed 4-12hours and begin with a sudden onset of thirst, and a sweet, metallic or foul taste in the mouth. Other symptoms may include upper respiratory tract irritation accompanied by coughing and a dryness of the mucous membranes,lassitude and a generalized feeling of malaise. Fever, chills, muscular pain,mild to severe headache, nausea, occasional vomiting, exaggerated mental activity, profuse sweating, excessive urination, diarrhea and prostration may also occur. Tolerance to fumes develops rapidly, but is quickly lost. All symptoms usually subside within 24-36 hours.

Inhalation:Chronic: Inhalation of mercury vapor over a long period may cause mercurialism which is characterized by fine tremors and erethism. Tremors may affect the hands first, but may also become evident in the face, arms, and legs. Erethism may be manifested by abnormal shyness, blushing, self-consciousness, depression or despondency resentment of criticism, irritability or excitability, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. In severe cases, hallucinations, loss of memory, and mental deterioration may occur. Concentrations as low and 0.03 mg/m3 have induced psychiatric symptoms in humans. Renal involvement may be indicated by proteinuria, albuminuria, enzymuria, and anuria. Other effects may include salivation, gingivitis, stomatitis, loosening of the teeth, blue lines on the gums, diarrhea, chronic pneumonitis and mild anemia. Repeated exposure to mercury and its compounds may result in sensitization. Intrauterine exposure may result in tremors and involuntary movements in the infants. Mercury is excreted in breast milk. Paternal reproductive effects and effects on fertility have been reported in male rats following repeated inhalation exposures.

Skin contact:Acute : Direct contact with liquid may cause irritation and redness. Small amounts of mercury may be absorbed through intact skin.Allergic reactions that may occur in previously exposed persons include dermatitis,encephalitis, and death. Subcutaneous introduction, from handling broken thermometers, may result in local inflammation, granulomatous skin reactions,and slight signs of mercury poisoning including digestive disorders, metallic taste in the mouth, and neuropsychic disorders.

Eye contact: Acute: Direct contact with liquid may cause irritation and redness. Animal studies indicate diffusion and absorption of mercury into the tissues of the eye may occur. No clinical signs of conjunctivitis or inflammation occurred.

Eye contact: Chronic: Mercury exposure from inhalation ingestion, or skin contact may be indicated by mercurialentis, discoloration of the crystalline lens, on slit lamp examination of the eye.

Ingestion: May cause burning of the mouth and throat, thirst,nausea and vomiting. Metallic mercury is not usually absorbed sufficiently from the gastrointestinal tract to induce an acute toxic response. Rarely, a large single dose may result in sign and symptoms of chronic inhalation is sufficient amount of mercury are retained in the body. Chronic: Repeated ingestion of small amount of mercury may result in the absorption of sufficient amounts to produce toxic effects as detailed in chronic inhalation exposure.

********* Vivacap IvoclarVivadentAmalcap Plus Non-Gamma-212/01/1997(Spelling is original and from the MSDS exact)Toxicological information Acute toxicity Alloy powder and mercury are predosed in closed capsules, therefore the danger of exposition to mercury vapours are low.Do not open or damage the capsule before mixing. Toxic by inhalation. Subacute chronic toxicity Inhalation is hazardous to the central nervous system. In very rare cases amalgam allergies may occur. Further information Avoid exposure of mercury to pregnant person. Ecological information German Wassergefaehrdungs Klasse (WGK): The product must not entereffluent, ground water, surface water or the soil. Disposal considerationsMaterial in the elemental state and also left-overs from restorations should be safed in a plastic container for reuse or recycling. For disposal contac an expert for chemical waste, at your local-, federal- or state waste department.Any disposal practice must be in compliance with local andnational regaulations.

TYTIN WARNINGThis dental amalgam product contains mercury. The placement of a dental amalgam in a patient will increase the levels of mercury in the body of the patient. The use of a rubber dam may decrease the amount of mercury absorbed by a patient during the removal or placement of an amalgam. The health authorities of the various countries including Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Norway and Austria have recommended against the placement or removal of amalgam in certain individuals such as pregnant and nursing women and persons with impaired kidney function.California Prop 65 warning:This product contains mercury a product known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.

********* PHASEALLOYWykle Research inc22nd Feb1996California Prop 65 warning: This product contains mercury a product known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.Chronic Health Effects Inhalation of mercury vapors, absorption through intact skin, dusts, over a long period cause mercurialism. Findings extremely variable and include tremors, salivation, stomatitis, loosening of the teeth, blue lines on the gums, pain and numbness in extremities, nephritis, diarrhea, anxiety, headache, weight loss, anorexia, mental depression, insomnia, irritability, and instability, hallucinations and evidence of mental deterioration,. (Mercury)may cause argyria (greyish-blue pigmentation of the skin.